Spain - culture

1. Spain-culture traditions

2. Traditions-bullfigts,SemanaSanta Bullfights • With the door being opened and the first bull entering the ring. the spectacle starts. It consists of three parts, called tercios, being separated by horn-signals. There are three toreros in each Corrida, by the way, and each will have to torear two bulls • In the first tercio the bullfighter uses the capote, a quite large rag of purple or yellow color. • The second part is la suerte de banderillas. Three banderilleros have to stick a pair of banderillas into the attacking bull‘s back. • In the final "suerte suprema" the bullfighter uses the muleta, a small red rag. The Corrida ends with the torero killing the bull by his sword. Semana Santa • The traditions of Semana Santa (Easter or Holy Week) go back to 16th century, when the Catholic Church decided to present the Passion of Christ to the population in an easily understandable way. • Ahead of the procession comes a group of so-called Nazarenos in long gowns with hoods, behind them Penitents, with crosses on their shoulders, then the figures of the Saints carried by Costaleros - each of them has to carry a weight of up to 100 kg. • All these men are members of a Cofradia, a brotherhood dedicating to organize one of those processions. There are 52 Cofradias in Seville. • The processions are deeply impressing for the spectator, and thousands of tourists come to Seville each year during Easter week.

3. Traditions-Flamenco • What is Flamenco? • Flamenco is a genuine Spanish art, and to be more exact a genuine Southern Spanish art. • It exists in three forms: Cante, the song, Baile, the dance, and Guitarra, guitar playing. • Gipsies are very often named as the fathers of Flamenco, and at least it can be taken for certain that they played an important part in its creation. But also the popular songs and dances of Andalusia have influenced early Flamenco considerably. • Certainly there were other influences, too, as it is no surprise in a country that has been dominated by most diverse cultures and civilizations during its different historical epochs. There were the legendary Tartessos, and seven centuries of Muslim occupation hardly could have passed without leaving traces. All that, directly or indirectly, influenced Flamenco.

4. Traditions-Catholic Saits, 22nd December, 25th December Many of the traditional festivals in Spain revolve around Catholic saints and historical events see also the history of Spain. 22nd December - All over Spain people tune in to a TV or radio as the Christmas lottery is drawn over a period of many hours. Everybody in Spain buys tickets for this lottery in the hope of winning El Gordo (the fat one) 25th December - Christmas day in Spain is called Navidad Children may receive a small gift on Nochebuena but the day for presents is 6th January, Epiphany.

5. Shops Many shops (though relatively few other businesses) still split their hours into two distinct periods of opening witha two or three hour break in the middle. Siesta The siesta - a traditional hour-long mid-afternoon break from work - is generally in decline and the typical rhythm of the day in Spain is now similar to the European norm.

6. Spanish dish,Gazpacho and Paella Flavoured with pimienton (ground paprika) and, in its spicier incarnation, with chilli, chorizo is a tasty pork sausage Chorizo- about the Spanish chorizo (Spanish pork). Most chorizo is cured, and can be eaten without further preparation, though it is a vital ingredient in many popular Spanish dishes. IBERICO DE BELLOTA CHORIZO SLICES.Made from the meat of the famous Iberico pig, this chorizo is made using the highest quality meat. This silky meat has a smooth paprika taste. Pre-sliced, it’s best enjoyed with bread to appreciate the delicate flavour . The Spanish-style soup we call gazpacho most nearly resembles a sort of chunky liquid salad, with lots of fresh, uncooked vegetables suspended in a broth of pureed tomatoes or tomato juice. A common variation is called paella de peix ("fish paella") or paella de marisco ("shellfish paella"), which is made with seafood instead of meat. Today one can find paellas made from a variety of other ingredients for example Paella de pollochorizo ( Chicken & chorizo paella), paella with chicken and vegetarian paella.

7. Artists Salvador Felipe Jacinto Dalí Domènech, (May 11, 1904 – January 23, 1989) was a Spanish artist who became one of the most important painters of the 20th century. See also the Dali museum. Pablo Ruizy Picasso (October 25, 1881 – April 8, 1973) was a Spanish painter and sculptor. Also one of the most recognized figures in 20th century art, he is best known as the co-founder, along with Georges Braque, of cubism

8. Famous singer Enrique Miguel Iglesias Preysler (born May 8, 1975) is a Spanishpopsinger-songwriter. His career started in Mexico on Indie label Fonovisa who helped turn him into one of the most popular artists in Latin America and in the Latin market in the United States, selling more Spanish albums than any other artists in that period of time. Sport Popular sport in Spain is football. The two most successful teams are Real Madrid and FCBarcelona.

9. Tapas Eating food out in Spain is often cheap and meals are substantial rather than gourmet. One of the best ways to sample Spanish food is to try tapas, or snacks, which are served at any time of day in local bars. Eating out in Spain is relatively cheap. The Spanish tradition of tapas is a good way to sample the local food in Spain. Tapas are small dishes of snacks, which are served anytime especially in small bars. They cover all types of food from seafood to vegetables. Many Spanish people make an evening of going from bar to bar drinking Spanish wine trying different tapas that are all types of food in Spain